Dhaka, Jan 14 (AFP) Chandika Hathurusingha today welcomedthe challenge of coaching a deflated Sri Lanka back to formafter their worst year in international cricket, marked byhumiliating defeats and few wins.
The freshly-appointed head coach took the bruisednational side to Bangladesh over the weekend ahead of theirfirst international series of the year.
Hathurusingha said Sri Lanka "have a lot to improve" buthe was optimistic they could turn the corner after a dismalyear of losses, leadership changes, injuries and scandal forthe former World Cup winners.
"I am excited to take up the challenge. I am excited withthe talent and skills available with my team now,"Hathurusingha, 49, told reporters Sunday.
A tri-nation one-day international tournament startsMonday with a contest between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka's first match of the event is against ZimbabweWednesday, before they face Bangladesh two days later.
It is familiar ground for Hathurusingha, who quit asBangladesh head coach in the middle of their disastrous tourof South Africa to return to his native Sri Lanka.
The islanders are licking their wounds after their worstperformance since 1987.
Sri Lanka won just five of their 29 ODIs, with injury andscandals also plaguing the side on and off the field.
Angelo Mathews stood down as captain in July amid theturmoil but just six months later was reappointed skipper forlimited-overs cricket ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
Sri Lanka were the final team to qualify for thetournament they won in 1996.
Hathurusingha resigned as Bangladesh coach in Octoberafter a largely successful stint helping the side claimseveral high-profile wins and reach seventh in the ODIrankings.
He ruled out being "emotionally attached" to his formerside, but wished Bangladesh well in the tri-nation series.
"I worked with them closely and got to know them reallywell. At the same time, I want Sri Lanka to do well," he said.
Mathews, 30, said he was pleased to return as skipper. "Inever expected it, but I am looking forward to it," he said.
(AFP)ATK.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.